Port Talbot RNLI Shop enjoys successful weekend at Neath Steam & Vintage Show
Port Talbot RNLI Lifeboat Station Shop was delighted to attend the Neath Steam & Vintage Show at Llwynfelish Farm, Crynant, over the weekend of 13–14 June.
Blessed with glorious weather throughout the weekend, the station shop team enjoyed a fantastic two days of fundraising, community engagement and promoting the RNLI’s lifesaving work.
Positioned in a prime location near the main exhibition area, the stall attracted a steady flow of visitors from across South Wales. Shop Volunteers Janice, Sian, Anne-Marie and Sue, together with Stormy Stan (aka Paul) and the station’s Lifeboat Operations Manager, Clive, welcomed hundreds of visitors to the RNLI stall.
Throughout the weekend they shared important water safety messages, spoke about the RNLI’s lifesaving role and helped raise valuable funds to support the charity. The event proved to be a tremendous success, with the station shop selling over £600 worth of RNLI merchandise over the two days.
Meanwhile, Stormy Stan’s popular meet-and-greet appearances around the showground, where he posed for photographs with children and their families, raised a further £127.10 in donations.
One of the highlights of the weekend came at the close of the show when Stormy Stan led a determined army of children in a tug-of-war challenge against a tractor. After ‘taking his spinach’ beforehand, Stormy inspired the youngsters to a remarkable 3-0 victory over their mechanical opponent, much to the delight of the crowd and the amusement of spectators.
Sue Summerfield, Shop Manager, said: ‘It was wonderful to be part of such a well supported community event. The organisers did a fantastic job of bringing the community together and everyone, young and old, thoroughly enjoyed the weekend.
‘I would like to thank everyone who visited our stall, purchased merchandise, made a donation or stopped to chat with us about the RNLI’s lifesaving work. The support we received over the weekend was fantastic and we are already looking forward to attending again in the future.’
Clive Morris, Lifeboat Operations Manager, said: ‘Port Talbot RNLI would like to extend its sincere thanks to Mr Ian Davies and the entire organising team for their invitation, hospitality and hard work in delivering such a successful event.
‘The weekend demonstrated the continued support the RNLI receives from local communities while providing an excellent opportunity to raise awareness of water safety and generate valuable funds to help save lives at sea. The station would also like to thank all of the volunteers who gave their time and energy over the two days. Their hard work, enthusiasm and commitment helped make the event such a success.’
RNLI Media Contacts
For more information please contact Claire Fitzpatrick-Smith, Regional Communications Manager on [email protected] or 07977 728315. Or contact the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789 or [email protected].
Key facts about the RNLI
The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,700 lives.
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Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries
Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.